Monday, May 30, 2011

Today I met with a well known connoisseur of fine dining and all things fancy! She was the perfect choice to make the winner's selection for the Make It Fancy Giveaway! She offered input on every part of the process. Let us first learn a bit about her qualifications.

My name is Tilda. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.

My skills include bird watching.

And meowing.

A crystal bowl containing 780 contest entries and a fine pate were presented.

My, what prompt service.

A bit too much garnish...

But the crystal is exquisite!

And the tasting menu, superb!

Delectable!

My compliments to the chef.

A deliciously scented wind spirited away an entry into the topiary.

Tilda finds the winner to be quite fancy indeed!

The establishment passed the white glove test and Tilda relaxes, waiting for dessert.

Shading myself with an ivory lace parasol, I journeyed across town wearing an orange sun dress and a silk scarf draped over my shoulders. I ran into a friend walking his greyhound and he remarked that I looked like a "Victorian British woman on holiday in India". I had to create a manicure for such a sentiment!

Using Konad white special polish, I repurposed a French tip design from Bundle Monster plate 220. I placed a white button pearl from Art Club in the center of each stylized chrysanthemum. The sparkly line was formed with an Art Club striper in Gold Glitter. I arranged the following ornaments along the diagonal: orange jewel, peach pearl, yellow jewel, golden pearl.

A tiny bee visited rested on the rose.

Look at the gorgeous shimmer in the bottle!

A flower ring and an owl ring.

Hemera is a gorgeous, warm coral shimmer. The silvery, white sparkle appears icy like a frozen treat. The color reminds me of gourmet gelato. I am showing four coats here, but I wore this shade for a day with only two. I think three would bring opacity for those with active length nails. Hemera is semi-sheer and easy to apply.

This manicure makes me want to ride on the back of a fancy, well cared for elephant. How about you?

Friday, May 27, 2011

The time for judging the Karmin G3 Pro Styling Iron Giveaway!is upon us! I had the good fortune to become acquainted with most the decisive of judges, Parsnip the ferret. Don't let the knowledge that he is a member of the weasel family dissuade you from his honorable nature. He is quite the gentleman!

Ladies, I am at your beck and call.

In the bowl, 207 entries await Parsnip's choice.

Trader Joe's peanut butter quickens the proceedings.

Parsnip races to a decision!

The investigative process begins.

Parsnip is willing to get into the thick of it!

Especially when that involves a coating of peanut butter.

Parsnip puts his nose to the grindstone.

And pauses to take stock of his efforts.

He reverts to his true nature.

Ferret roar!

The scent of victory...

Leads to the taste of victory.

Parsnip absconds with his favorites.

And makes a taster's choice.

aaminah's mom is the winner!

With a belly full of peanut butter...

Parsnip rests after a job well done.

Congratulations to aaminah's mom! She is a long time reader of painted Lady fingers! I am so happy Parsnip chose her as the winner!

A special thanks to Parsnip's human companions, Laura and Lauren. Much gratitude goes to Laura for her work as a photographic assistant and ferret stylist.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

A few days ago, I was given an unusual baby sitting job. As I was taking pictures in the park, a baby bird sat on the ledge within an arm's length distance. He perched close to me, chirping, as his mother flew in with bits of food and left again to forage. After giving him a proper greeting, I returned my attention back to my photography.

Flying awkwardly into the greenery, he repositioned himself a few inches out of frame of my product photos. The baby bird stayed with me for much of the photo shoot. After he was fully fed, his mother led him back to the nest. This manicure is for my new little friend. I hope to again hear his wings rustling in the green.

Are you my mother?

Chirp, chirp!

My right hand with a peony flower ring.

From Bundle Monster plate BM 214, I divided the full nail feather design. I positioned the larger fan of feathers on my middle fingers and thumbs. I opted for the smaller side for my pointer, ring and pinky nails. To create the movement of wings opening, I arranged the feathers to mirror each other on the two center nails.

I chose Konad pastel blue polish for stamping. Using an Art Club striper in blue glitter, I embellished each plume with a single curve of sparkle. Fimo blue jay feathers from the Art Club Blue Denim Wheel add to the flight pattern.

Always pleased to wear a new BB Couture Green, Gaia offers the color of the Earth Goddess namesake. I felt camouflaged when I placed my nails next to leaves. The formula is standard BB Couture perfection. Two coats bring opacity, but three make the shimmer glow beyond measure. Quite lovely!

I hope you enjoyed my feathers manicure and its tiny living inspiration. Have you made any new friends this Spring?

About the lady

I've loved nail polish since girlhood. My grandmom bought me colorful bottles every time we went to the drugstore together. That sentiment has never left me. My favorite brands now are China Glaze, Chanel, Color Club, Misa, Nubar, OPI and Zoya. I can't pass by Sally Hansen, Milani, or Rimmel in a drugstore without incident of shopping. I dream of vast stores of old Urban Decay and Hard Candy polishes. In reality, I have a few. I have a penchant for glitter and the Konad has taken over much of my brainspace with swirls, flowers and butterflies. I like whimsy. I carry a parasol.
berkana[at]fastmail[dot]fm